Hotspot Shield Review
Fastest Short-Distance VPN
Last updated: February 2026 • Independently tested from the UK
Performance Scores
Hotspot Shield – Full Review
Hotspot Shield is built for speed, and for UK users who prioritise raw connection performance for nearby servers, it delivers an impressive experience with as little as a 3% speed reduction on short-distance connections. The proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol is engineered specifically for low-latency, high-throughput connections, making Hotspot Shield consistently one of the fastest VPNs available. With over 3,200 servers across 80+ countries, including UK server locations, Hotspot Shield provides adequate coverage for general browsing, streaming, and downloading. The service includes a free plan, although it is limited to 500MB of data per day and restricted to a single US server location, making it insufficient for regular UK use. The premium plan supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes malware protection alongside a 1Password integration for password management. Hotspot Shield offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on its premium plans. However, the provider has faced past scrutiny over privacy practices, and its closed-source protocol cannot be independently verified. For UK users who need the absolute fastest nearby connections and are less concerned about transparent security practices, Hotspot Shield is a strong contender.
Pros & Cons
+Pros
- ✓Only 3% speed drop on short-distance connections
- ✓Easy-to-use interface for beginners
- ✓Free plan available for occasional use
- ✓45-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Catapult Hydra protocol optimised for speed
−Cons
- ✗Limited free plan with only 500MB per day
- ✗Past privacy concerns and scrutiny over data practices
- ✗Catapult Hydra protocol is not open-source
Security & Privacy Features
All Features
Supported Protocols
Supported Platforms
Pricing
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Money-Back Guarantee
Hotspot Shield offers a full 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you are not satisfied, request a refund within 45 days for a complete refund.
Jurisdiction
Free PlanAvailable
500MB of data per day, limited to a single US server location. No UK servers on the free plan. Ad-supported with limited features and slower speeds compared to premium.
Server Network
Best For
UK users who prioritise raw speed on nearby servers and want an easy-to-use VPN
Compare Hotspot Shield with Other VPNs
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Rated 4/5 by our team. Fastest Short-Distance VPN. Try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.